Next-gen BMW M3/M4 will be plug-in hybrid

BMW M is set to embrace plug-in hybrid technology for a cleaner high-performance future, says a new report from the US.

The plan for the future replacement for both the current M3 sedan and M4 coupe, says US newswire The Detroit Bureau, is for both cars to draw on the current i sub-brand’s knowhow and adopt all-new plug-in hybrid tech developed the i8 and BMW’s involvement in motorsport.

The top secret details, leaked by a source close to BMW, suggest the new tech is being developed for both rear- and all-wheel drive applications, but the range-topping M3 and M4 is expected to come with all-wheel drive for the first time.

According to the senior exec the reason behind the new hybrid tech is to meet increasingly stringent emissions and fuel economy standards around the world.

Despite the CO2-cutting tech, the new BMW M cars will have more power than the current car’s 317kW/550Nm that’s generated by a twin-turbo 3.0-litre in-line straight-six.

In the future, according to the insider, the next-gen M3 and M4 will generate at least 100Nm more torque than the current car. How much extra power that translates to wasn’t revealed, but factor in all-wheel drive (an electric motor is expected to drive the front wheels) and both cars could crack the 0-100km/h in less than four seconds -- setting a new performance benchmark for its class.

Instead of a conventional hybrid system, BMW M is also looking at introducing a Formula 1-style KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) that is expected to be significantly lighter than current plug-in hybrid tech.

To offset the increase in kerbweight from carrying big battery cells, all BMW M cars will also begin to use more and more lightweight carbon-fibre material following its application in both the i3 and i8. This is also in line with BMW’s huge investment in a carbon-fibre manufacturing facility in Washington State in the US.

The all-new next-generation M3 and M4 are not expected to arrive here until around 2020.